Core sector growth doubles

The index of infrastructure industries grew 9 per cent in April compared to 4.5 per cent in the corresponding period last year.

According to official data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry today, cement production grew the largest "" by 16.1 per cent to 1.11 crore tonnes in April.

Electricity generation grew 10.7 per cent in April this year to 4,900.7 crore kilowatt hour though nuclear power generation dropped 8 per cent to 145.2 crore KwH.

Coal production rose 6.1 per cent during April 2004 to 27.8 million tonnes, while finished steel production logged a 3 per cent increase last month compared to 14.4 per cent growth in April 2003. The growth in infrastructure sector for April was higher than the average growth witnessed in the last fiscal.